Black Rock Fishhead Steamboat (黑石鱼头炉) Restaurant Review
Hey there, foodie fam and travel buffs! If you’re prowling Singapore for a steamboat experience that’s smoky, soul-warming, and a little rough around the edges, let me introduce you to Black Rock Fish Head Steamboat (黑石鱼头炉) in Kaki Bukit.
This isn’t your polished restaurant scene—it’s a big, bustling hawker joint that’s all about bold flavors and charcoal-fired goodness. I swung by for dinner recently, and let me tell you, it’s a ride worth taking. From the refillable soup to the quirky egg oyster, here’s my review from the internet scoop—honest, fun, and packed with all the juicy details!
The Scene: Spacious Chaos at Dinner Time
Tucked in an industrial pocket at 31 Kaki Bukit Road 3, Black Rock isn’t hard to find—just follow the wafting charcoal smoke. I rolled in around 7 PM, expecting a packed house, but surprise—there was plenty of space! Tables sprawled across the Techlink Lobby Foodcourt, giving it that classic hawker vibe with a modern twist (air-con, thank goodness).
That said, don’t let the empty seats fool you—the wait time stretched a bit longer than I’d hoped, about 20-30 minutes. The place was humming with orders, and the staff were hustling. Patience is key here, but trust me, the food makes it worth the hangry vibes.
The Main Event: Charcoal Fish Head Steamboat (From $29-$82)
The star of the show? Their Charcoal Fish Head Steamboat, served in a beat-up copper pot with glowing embers at its core. I went for the Red Grouper version (prices range from $29 for a small Snapper to $82 for a large Red Grouper), and oh man, that broth!
It’s a slow-simmered mix of pork, chicken, and fish bones, with a punch of dried salted fish that gives it this umami kick—savory, slightly sweet, and downright slurpable. The best part? It’s refillable! I lost count of how many times I waved down the attentive staff for a top-up. That charcoal magic adds a smoky depth you just can’t fake, though it comes with a price: you’ll leave smelling like a campfire. Inside, it’s seductive; outside, it’s a “please don’t judge me” moment.
The pot comes loaded with napa cabbage, yam, seaweed, and a separate plate of fresh fish slices you cook yourself—perfect for controlling that tender bite. The fish was flaky and sweet, though I wished the yam had a bit more melt-in-your-mouth action. Still, it’s a hearty bowl that warms you right down to your toes.
The Sides: Hits and Misses
I couldn’t resist rounding out the meal with a few extras. The Deep-Fried Egg Oyster ($10-$15 depending on size) was a wild card—imagine a crispy, golden omelette studded with plump oysters. It’s not your typical oyster omelette; that deep-fried twist makes it special, crunchy outside, soft inside, and briny in all the right ways. My kids would’ve fought over this one if they’d been with me!
The Homemade Tofu ($5-$8) was… fine. It’s fresh, stuffed with bits of meat and veggies, but it didn’t blow me away—pretty standard hawker fare. Where Black Rock really flexed, though, was the Claypot Pork Belly with Mei Xiang Salted Fish ($18-$25). Holy aroma, Batman! The sizzling claypot hit the table, and the smell—salty, savory, and a little funky from the mei xiang salted fish—was pure temptation. They mix it with white rice right in front of you, letting those juices soak in. Each bite was tender, rich, and so appetizing I nearly ordered a second round. This dish alone is worth a return trip.
The Catch: You’ll Smell Like a BBQ Pit
Let’s keep it real: that charcoal charm is a double-edged sword. The smoky flavor is why you’re here, but it clings to you like a needy koala. Hair, clothes, everything—I walked out feeling like I’d been grilling for hours. It’s a small price to pay for that taste, but it’s not exactly date-night friendly unless your date’s into eau de barbecue.
Variety of Drinks
There is a variety of drinks where you can self-help.
🌟 Practical Tips for Visiting Black Rock
- Time Your Visit: Dinner’s busy but not packed—aim for 6:30 PM to snag a shorter wait. Weekends might be dicier, so plan ahead.
- Dress Casual: Wear something you don’t mind smelling smoky—leave the silk blouse at home.
- Bring Wet Wipes: Post-meal freshness is a must; that charcoal scent lingers like a bad ex.
- Share the Load: Portions are generous—split the steamboat and sides with a crew to taste more without waddling out.
📌 Branch Address & Opening Hours
- Kaki Bukit: 31 Kaki Bukit Road 3, #02-01, Techlink Lobby Foodcourt C, Singapore 417818
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Note: This is the main spot for Black Rock—no other branches yet, so don’t get confused with similar names!
📣 Social Media & Delivery Links
- Official Facebook: facebook.com/BlackRockSteamboatSG
- Instagram: instagram.com/blackrocksteamboat
- Delivery Links:
🎯 Final Bites: A Smoky Love Affair
Black Rock Fish Head Steamboat (黑石鱼头炉) is a hawker gem that delivers big on flavor, even if it leaves you smelling like a grill master. The refillable, salty-fish-kissed soup, that show-stopping claypot pork belly, and the quirky egg oyster had me hooked—despite the wait and the so-so tofu.
It’s not perfect, but it’s real, hearty, and affordable (around $20-$30 per person with sides). I’m already plotting my next visit to tackle their cereal soft-shell crab and roast duck. So, tell me, folks—what’s your favorite smoky dish, and would you brave the charcoal stench for it? Hit me up in the comments—I’m all ears!
RATING | PERNILAIAN | 评分 | CUISINES | MAKANAN | 餐 |
🧡 5/5 | Chinese |
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PRICE | HARGA | 价格范围 | MEALS | MAKAN PADA | |
$20-30 |
